BACKWASHING A SAND FILTER

1. ALWAYS TURN OFF POWER TO EQUIPMENT, BEFORE MOVING BACKWASH VALVE OR OPENING ANY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. HYDRAULIC PRESSURE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY !!!!

2. Close all suction valves. (Many self-priming pumps may skip this step. But if the pump does not catch prime easily, this is needed.)

3. Open the pump pot and clean the pump basket. Be sure to replace the basket correctly so nothing can slip past . If it can float up when the pump turns off, leaves can get past and plug the impeller!

4. Place backwash handle in "BACKWASH" position.

• A. Open any valve that needs to be opened (if any ) in the waste line.
• B. Extend backwash hose (if applicable) and straighten.

5. Turn on main pump.

6. Open suction valves, main drain slowly at first, skimmers next.

7. After prime is restored to pump and pump is running, open air relief (if any) and bleed all air from the filter.

8. Run system in backwash mode until sight glass is clear, about 2 or 3 minutes. You will probably lose 2 to 3 inches of water from the pool. (This is actually very good for the pool. It gives a chance to change out some "old" stressed out water, for some "fresh" UNTREATED water. See also "STRESSED WATER".)

9. Turn off pump.

10. If backwash valve is multiport, place lever in rinse (filter to waste) position at this time. Run until clear. Turn off pump.

11. Replace handle (or lever) in the normal operation position for the backwash valve, allowing normal filter operation. For piston type valves, be sure to replace any locking pins, if needed, back in the correct holes or twist any latch, that is needed, to keep the valve from opening, independent of your presence and draining the pool !!!!

12. Turn on equipment.